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CUBAN READY FOR BATTLE. 

(FROM THE GAME FOWL MONTHLY.) 

While pure Trans- Atlantics are entirely too large for the 
Cubnn method of cocking, you will find that the most suc- 
cessful strains on this island are those which contain 
Trans -Atlantic blood and plainly show these character- 
istics in their make-up. 




zjTj^ir 



THE 




COCK IMTT. 



Compiled by 
H. P. CLARKE, A. M„ ML D. 



COPYRIGHT, 1900. 



INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, 



U. S. AMERICA. 



i 



#OVJOV> 




yTrkncAtt 



^•.-.Clarke, 




ftCVv»ta« irfZ^f deOtttf, \ 



Pit Rules of. America. 

In several of the old books on cock-fighting it 
was the custom to devote page after page to the 
different sets of pit rules. Many of the sets were 
very similar and some exactly identical, yet all 
were given in full. Sometimes the same set would 
be repeated under another name, and oftentimes 
the same thing would be told over and over again 
with very little variation. Now the compiler has 
here attempted to arrange and condense all the 
different rules into a small space, so that they 



6 

may be in a convenient, handy form, and still so 
thorough that a man may grasp the essential 
features of the whole outfit in a moment's time. 
There are in the United States and Canada 
three distinct systems or plans of pit rules: 

THE NEW YORK 

set and its variations, used in New York, New 
Jersey and parts of the New England States. 

THE SOUTHERN, 

used in most of the Southern States east of the 
Mississippi. 

THE WESTERN, 

used in nearly all the balance of the states and 
also in Canada — by far the largest territory on 
the globe employing one system of pit rules.- 
Within the past eight or ten years this latter set 
of rules has been largely supplanted by, or 
changed so as to conform to, the Indianapolis 
or "New Western. " These are practically the 
same as the Old Western in general arrange- 
ment, but are more thorough and also provide 
that the referee shall act as director or dictator 
to tell the handlers exactly what to do and what 
they may not do. In many places, (Indianapolis 
as well as elsewhere) hack fighting is often car- 
ried on without any referee, or with one who 
does not direct the handlers, in which case the 
rules are identical with the "American Rules" 
used abroad. In some parts of the Western 
States they use the exact Indianapolis rules ex- 
cept that they count four tens and forty, instead 
of three tens and twenty. Some other places 
also have local changes of a minor nature. 

There is one exception to Article Seven of the 
Indianapolis rules which should be noted here. 
In case a cock is hung in himself or in the pit, 
the handler is naturally expected to grab his 
bird at once without waiting to be told by the 
referee. But in any case, the birds must not be 
handled unless they are known to be hung. 




.P.C.i: 



Indianapolis Rules. 

1 The two pitters shall choose a time-keeper 
and a referee. It shall be the duty of the former 
to keep time between rounds, and notify the 
handlers to "get ready" at twenty-five seconds, 
then call "time" at thirty seconds. The referee 
shall pay close attention to the handlers and 
birds, and see that the following rules are strict- 
ly adhered to: 

2 All birds under 6-4, weighing within two 
ounces of each other, are matched, except stags 
and broken-bill and blinker cocks, which shall 
be allowed four ounces against sound cocks. 
Sound cocks weighing 6-4 and upwards shall be 
fought as shakebags and matched regardless of 
weight. 

3 All gaffs shall be round from socket to point; 
no others will be allowed. 

4 After the birds are heeled they shall be 
weighed by the referee, who will call out their re- 
spective weights. He shall also examine the 
birds' gaffs. 



8 

5 Upon entering- the pit the handlers shall let 
the cocks peck each other three or four times; 
they shall then step to their respective scores, 
( which scores shall be four feet each way from 
the center, )set their birds squarely on their feet 
and instantly release them. 

6 It is no fight unless a blow is struck while 
both cocks show. 

7 It shall be unfair for a handler to touch 
either cock except as directed by the referee. 

8 The referee shall order a handler to give his 
cock a wing when necessary, or turn a bird that is 
on its back. These directions may be given only 
when the cocks are not touching each other. 

9 The referee shall call "handle" whenever a 
cock is fast in his antagonist, in himself or in the 
pit, ( except during a count, in which case the birds 
are not to be handled until the end of the count, ) 
also at the end of "counts" and "minutes," and 
at other times when necessary. 

10 The handler of the gaffed cock shall draw 
the heels, catching the leg of his opponent's bird 
below the hock joint. The birds must not be 
raised from the pit floor until after the gaffs have 
been drawn. 

11 Thirty seconds is the time allowed in all 
handlings, time to commence as soon as the cocks 
are lifted off the floor of the pit. 

12 Between pittings it shall be fair for the 
handlers to wash their birds' heads, give refresh- 
ments, and help their cocks in any other way 
possible, but they must be ready to pit promptly 
on call of time. 

13 As soon as one cock ceases fighting, the 
referee shall call to the handler of the fighting 
cock, "Mr. A., count;" whereupon that handler 
shall count ten in an audible tone. After being 
handled the cocks shall be pitted again and so 
continue until three tens in all have been counted. 
After the third count and handle, the cocks are 
to be placed breast to breast on the center score, 
when the pitter having the count shall count 
twenty and the fight is ended in his favor. 



9 

14 The count can be broken only by a peck or 
blow from the cock which is being counted out, 
or by the death of the cock having- the count, or 
by that cock showing- unmistakable evidence of 
wanting to run away, in which cases the referee 
shall call "count broken." 

15 If the cocks should both cease fighting at 
the same time, or should refuse to meet at the be- 
ginning of a round, the referee shall call for one 
minute's time, at the expiration of which the 
cocks are to be handled and again pitted. If they 
refuse to meet after the second minute, they are 
to be handled and pitted again, until the expira- 
tion of the third minute, and thrn they are to be 
handled and breasted on the center score. And 
if they still refuse to fight at the expiration of one 




minute, a fresh cock is to be brought to the pit. 
If one combatant shows fight and the other does 
not, the battle is given to the fighting cock. If 
both fight or both refuse, it is a drawn battle. 

16 If both cocks die, neither having the count, 
the longest liver wins. If the cock having the 
count is dying and the other cock wanting to run, 
the former wins the battle even though he dies 
before the expiration of the count. 

17 The referee shall watch all movements of 
the fight and confine the handlers strictly to the 
above rules. He may overlook what he believes 
to be an unintentional error, but must decide the 
battle against any handler who plainly and wil- 
fully violates the rules. 



10 

The Western System. 

Indianapolis No. 2. — (Referee not directing 
handlers. ) 

Exactly like preceding" except that the referee 
does not direct the pitters. They handle when 
hung, count when entitled to same, give wings 
and turn cocks when necessary. 

A handler having the count, must take it when 
requested. If he refuses or neglects to do so when 
called upon, his opponent ma.y take it. 

These are the articles which are known abroad 
as "American Rules," used in international 
matches. A French translation of same may be 
found in Game Fowl Monthly, June, 1S94. 

Old Western. Same as preceding except that 
the rules provide for two judges and a referee, 
the latterbeing also the timekeeper. Sections 
fifteen and sixteen, and the latter part of section 
fourteen of the Indianapolis Rules, were not in- 
cluded in the Old Western, but now used almost 
everywhere. They should be applied to all other 
rules of this system where local provision has 
not already been made to cover those points. The 
count is four tens and forty. 

New Orleans, Canadian, and Dallas. Ex- 
actly the same as the Old Western. 

Cincinnati. Same as the "American." A 
cock on his back must be turned when requested, 
provided birds are not touching. Handler must 
never close his hand on an opponent's cock. 
(This is really taken for granted under all rules.) 
If one handler "makes an attempt" to handle, 
bhe other has a right to handle. These "attempts" 
are now practically abolished, and birds are 
handled only when hung. 

It is customary in Cincinnati, after cocks have 
once been breasted, for the two pitters to agree 
bo fight without rules, breast to breast at each 
handling till one or the other is killed. It pre- 
vents drag fights. 

One timekeeper and one referee. 



11 

Baltimore. Two judges and one referee. 

Neither bird fighting for thirty seconds, to be 
handled and repitted twice, allowing thirty 
seconds each time, then breasted thirty seconds. 
If both refuse, draw fight. Dying bird having 
count, wins. Otherwise same as American rules. 

Detroit. Two judges and one referee. Hackles 
must be trimmed. Stag allowed five ounces. 
Count: four tens and forty. 

Philadelphia. Hackles must be trimmed. 
Heel with paper and water. Count: five tens and 
twenty . 

Chicago. Two judges and one referee. 

Blinkers get six ounces. 

Stags classed as cocks after May 1st. 

Count: four tens and forty. 

Indianapolis rules Nos. 8 and 15 not used here. 
There is no i 'minute's time." Cock which fought 
last, takes the count. 

In close decision, referee may declare side bets 
off. Referee decides all points not covered by 
rules or articles of agreement. 

Milwaukee. Hackles not trimmed. Gaffs, 
one and one-half inch. Sockets to have straight 
face, not over seven-eighths inch drop nor more 
than five-eighths inch deep. 

Handler must remain on his own side at least 
three feet from center of pit, except when hand- 
ling. 

Count: four tens and forty. 

Neither cock fighting, the last fighter has count. 
Count may be cut short by the fighter hanging 
in other cock, but it goes same as if finished to 
ten. Not handle during the long count, 

Dying bird having count, wins. 

Cleveland. Count: four tens and forty. Fif- 
teen seconds for handling. 

Bird on back must be turned with one hand. 

Toledo. (Carew) Count: four tens and twenty. 
Hackle not trimmed. Wings to be cut square 
across, not pointed. 



12 

Birds delivered with one hand. 

One and one-quarter inch Regulation heels. 

)ckets less than one-half inch in height and 

spth. 

Bolstering not allowed. 

Handler may count at any time if his bird 
ught last. 

Refused count changes, but cannot be forced 
11 both cease fighting. 

'During count, draw heels when fast, loose bird 
i same place and go on with count. 
Neither cock fighting thirty seconds, the judge 
,kes count. If both refuse, fresh cock, etc. 
On back, turn when requested. 
Bird having count, loses it by walking away 
; om antagonist, also by leaving the pit. 
I Both cocks dying during count, the longest 
ver wins whether he has the count or not. 
| Old "National." Two judges and one referee. 
| Count: four tens and twenty. 
Full feather except tail and wings. 
Long sockets and bolstering prohibited. 
Fowl on back must be turned when requested. 
' Runaway at once returned to pit. If other cock 
i down, to be breasted. If either refuse the 
3Cond time, he loses. 

Neither cock fighting, either handler may call 
"time," which shall be three minutes. Handle 
nd then one minute; then two more single min- 
ites; viz: three, one, one, one, breast. Fighter 
4ns. If both refuse, fresh cock, etc. 

If fall apart, again breasted every thirty 
econds. 
1 Dead cock wins from a runaway. 

1 "Kentucky and Indiana Sporting Club" 
>p Louisville. Count: four tens and twenty. 
J Stags classed as cocks after May first. 
j Blinkers get six ounces. 

Two judges and referee; timekeeper. 

Local rules as to pit scores, black board, bet- 
ing, etc. 

The handlers of Louisville nearly always raise 



13 

cocks from the pit floor, about waist high, 1 
fore drawing the heels. But this is not a ru 
only a local bad habit. 

It is here customary for timekeeper to sti 
the "minute" as soon as fighting ceases, withe 
waiting for handler to call it. 

California. (Furnished by Capt. Antho 
Greene. ) 

Stags are so classed all through the cocki: 
season following their birth. 

Trimmed hackles allowed, but not shorter th 
one inch in length. 

Regulation ii inch heels; sockets not over 
inch length. 

In handling, cocks not raised more than km 
high. Handle and deliver at once. Remove 
feathers nor b]ood. Nursing prohibited. Coc 
not turned. No wings given. 

Count: forty, than six tens, breasting at bo 
the third and sixth ten. 

There is no "minute's time." Both cocks i 
fusing, neither having the count, both are to 
counted out and the battle declared a draw. 

North-western States and British C 
LUMBIA. (Furnished by Wm. Belond.) 

Two judges and one referee. 

Stags classed as cocks after May 1st. 

Regulation li inch heels. 
Full hackle and square-cut wings. 

Count: five tens and twenty. 

Cock may be turned or given wing, when e 
touching. Must be done with one hand. 

No "minute's time." Last fighter counts. 

Boston. (Furnished by Frank P. Casej 
These rules, used all through the New Engla 
States, are in plan much like the "Old Western 
differing only in having a count of ten, inste 
of thirty seconds time, between pittings. 

The count is five tens, breast, again five ter 
breast, twenty. 

Fowl on back, may be turned. 

No "minute's time;" last fighter counts. 



14 



New York Rules. 

■ 1 The pit shall be circular in shape, at least 
eighteen feet in diameter and not less than six- 
teen inches in height. The floor shall be covered 
with carpet or some other suitable material. 
There shall be a chalk or some other mark made 
las near to the center of the pit as possible. There 
'shall also be two outer marks which shall be one 
ifoot each way from the center mark. 

2 The pitters shall each select one judge who 
.shall choose a referee. Said judges shall decide 
all matters in dispute during the pendency of the 
fight, but in case of their inability to agree, then 
l it shall be the duty of the referee to decide and 
'his decision shall be final. 

3 Chickens shall take their age from the first 
day of March and shall be chickens during the 
'fighting season. 

1 4 It shall be deemed foul for any of the re- 
spective pitters to pit a cock or chicken with what 
is termed a foul hackle, that is, any of the feath- 
'ers left whole on the mane or neck. 

5 The pitters shall let each cock bill each other 
;three or more times, but this is riot 'to be con- 
strued that the pitter of a cock has a right to bill 
,with his opponent's cock for the purpose of fa- 
tiguing him. 

] 6 No person shall be permitted to handle his 
jfowl after he is fairly delivered in the pit unless 
he counts ten clear and distinct, without either 
icock making fight; or shall be fast in his adver- 
sary, or fast in the carpet, or hung in the web of 
jthe pit or in himself. 

7 Any cock that may get on his back shall be 
/righted again by the pitter, but not taken off the 
[ground he is lying on. 

I 8 Whenever a cock is fast in his adversary 
the pitter of the cock the spurs are fast in shall 
draw them out, but the pitter of the cock has no 
right to draw out his own spurs except when fast 
in himself or in the carpet, or in the web of the 



15 

pit. 

9 When either pitter shall have counted ten 
tens successively, without the cock refusing fight, 
making fight, again breasting them fair on their 
feet, breat to breast and beak to beak, on the 
centre score or mark, on the fifth ten being told, 
and also on the ninth ten being told, shall have 
won the fight. The pitters are bound to tell each 
ten as they count them, as follows: Once, twice, 
etc. 

10 No pitter after the cocks have been delivered 
in the pit shall be permitted to clean their beaks 
or eyes by blowing or otherwise, or be permitted 
to squeeze his fowl or press him against the floor 
during the pendency of the fight. 

11 When a cock is pounded and no person 
takes it until the pitter counts twenty twice, and 
calls three times, "Who takes it?" and no per- 
son takes it, it is a battle to the cock the odds 
are on; but the pitter of the pounded cock has the 
right to have the pound put up, that is twenty 
dollars against one dollar. If this is not com- 
plied with, the pitter shall go on as though there 
was no poundage. 

12 If a cock is pounded and the poundage is 
taken, and if the cock the odds are laid against 
should get up and knock down his adversary, 
then if the other cock is pounded and the other 
poundage not taken before the pitter counts 
twenty twice, and calls out, "Who takes it?" 
three times, he wins, although there was a pound- 
age before. 

13 It shall be the duty of the respective pitters 
to deliver their cocks fair on their feet on the 
outer score or mark, facing each other, and in 
a standing position, except on the fifth ten being 
told, and also on the ninth ten being told, when 
they, the two cocks, shall be placed on the center 
score, breast to breast and beak to beak in like 
manner. Any pitter being guilty of shoving his 
fowl across the score, or of pinching him, or 
using any other unfair means for the purpose of 
making his cock fight, shall lose the fight. 



16 

14 Ii ooth cocks fight together, and then both 
should refuse until they are counted out, in such 
cases a fresh cock is to be hoveled and brought 
into the pit, and the pitters are to toss for which 
cock is to set-to first. He &iat wins has the choice. 
Then the one which is to set-to last is to be taken 
up but not carried out of the pit. The hoveled 
cock is then to be put down to the other and al- 
lowed to fight while the judges, or one of them, 
shall count twenty. The same operation shall be 
gone through with the other cock and if one fight 
and the other refuse, it is a battle to the fighting 
cock; but if both fight, or both refuse, it is a 
drawn battle. 

15 If both cocks refuse fighting until four, five 
or more or less tens a.re counted, the pitters shall 
continue their count until one cock has refused 
ten times, for when a pitter begins to count, he 
counts for both cocks. 

16 If a cock should die before they are counted 
out, he wins the battle if he fights last. This, 
however, is not to apply when his adversary is 
running away. 

17 The crowing or raising of the hackle of a 
cock is not fight, nor is fighting at the pitter's 
hands. 

18 A breaking cock is a fighting cock, but a 
cock breaking from his adversary is not fight. 

19 If any dispute arises between the pitters on 
the result of a fight, the cocks are not to betaken 
out of the pit, nor the gaffs taken off until a 
decision has b^en made by the judges or referee. 

20 Each cock within two ounces of each other 
shall be a match, except blinkers when they are 
fighting against two-eyed cocks in which case an 
allowance of from three to five ounces shall be 
made. When blinkers are matched against each 
other, the same rule to apply as to two-eyed cocks. 

21 All matches must be fought with' heels, 
round from the socket to the point, not exceed- 
ing one and a quarter inches in length unless 
otherwise agreed upon. Drop Sockets, Slashers 
and twisted heels shall be considered foul. 



17 

22 Previous to heeling- the cocks in fighting 
mains, the four spurs of same pattern and size 
shall be placed together and the pitters shall toss 
for choice of them. 

23 In all mains, at the end of each battle the 
judges shall order the spurs to be changed, i. e., 
the spurs of the winning cock must be placed on 
the loser's next fowl and changed at the end of 
every battle. 

24 Any person fighting a cock heavier than he 
is represented on the match list, shall lose the 
fight, although he may have won. 

25 In all cases of appeal, fighting ceases un- 
til the judges or the referee give their decision, 
which shall be final and strictly to the question 
before them. 

26 When a bet is made, it cannot be declared 
off unless by consent of both parties; all outside 
bets to go according to the main bet. 

27 Each pitter when delivering his cock on 
the score shall take his hands off him as quickly 
as possible. 

28 Any person violating any of the above 
rules, shall be deemed to have lost the match. 

The New York System. 

Albany. Much similar to New York, but not 
quite so complicated. 

Count: five tens, breast, thirty, then twenty. 

When a cock is pounded and not taken, the 
pitter counts twenty and that wins. 

Western New York. One judge, who calls 
"Handle" and "Count, "same as in Indianapolis. 

Blinkers allowed three to five ounces. 

Spurs, one and one-quarter inch; to be ex- 
changed after every battle. 

Count: five tens and twenty. 

On fifth "ten," count can be broken only' by a 
blow, not by a peck. 

No removing feathers nor blood during handle. 

Poundage, same as New York. 

Both cocks refusing, bring in fresh cock, etc. 



18 




Southern Rules. 

Note. On the morning the main is to com- 
mence the parties decide by lot who shows first. 
It is to be remembered that the party obtaining 
choice generally chooses to weigh first and con- 
sequently obliges the adverse party to show first, 
as the party showing first weighs last. When the 
show is made by the party, the door of the cock 
house is to be locked and the key given to the 
other party, who immediately repairs to his cock 
house and prepares for weighing. There ought 
to be provided a pair of good scales and weights 
as low down as half an ounce. One or two judges 
to be appointed to weigh the cocks. Each party 



19 

by weighing" the cocks intended for the show a 
day or two beforehand and having all their re- 
spective weights, would greatly facilitate the 
business of the judges. There ought to be no 
feathers cut or plucked from the cocks before 
they are brought to the scale, except a few from 
behind to keep them clean, and their wings and 
tails clipped a little. 

2 As soon as the cocks are all weighed, the 
judge, the writers and the principals of each 
party and as many besides as the parties may 
agree upon, are to retire for the purpose of 
matching. They are to make all even matches 
first, then those within one ounce, and afterwards 
those within two ounces; but if more matches can 
be made by breaking an even or one ounce match, 
it is to be done. 

3 On the day of the showing, only one battle 
is to be fought. It is to be remembered that the 
party winning the show gains also the choice of 
fighting this first battle with any particular cocks 
in the match. Afterwards they begin with the 
lightest pair first and so on up to the heaviest, 
fighting them in rotation as they increase in 
weight. The first battle too, will fix the mode of 
trimming. 

Rule 1 When the cocks are in the pit, the 
judges are to examine whether they are fairly 
trimmed and have fair heels. If all be right and 
fair, the pitters are to deliver their cocks six feet 
apart ( or thereabouts ) and retire a step or two 
back; but if a wrong cock should be produced, 
the party so offending forfeits that battle, 

2 All heels that are rdund from the socket to 
the point are allowed to be fair; any pitter bring- 
ing a cock into the pit with any other kind of 
heels, except by particular agreement, forfeits 
the battle. 

3 If either cock should be trimmed with a close, 
unfair hackle, the judge shall direct the other to 
be cut in the same manner, and at the time shall 
observe to the pitter that if he brings another 
cock in the like situation, unless he shall have 



20 

been previously trimmed, he shall forfeit the 
battle. 

4 A pitter when he delivers his cock shall re- 
tire two paces back, and not advance or walk 
around his cock until a blow has passed. 

5 An interval of ten minutes shall be allowed 
between the termination of one battle and the com- 
mencement of another. 

6 No pitter shall pull a feather out of a cock's 
mouth or from over his eyes or head, or pluck 
him by the breast to make him fight, or pinch 
him for the like purpose, under penalty of for- 
feiting the battle. 

7 The pitters are to give the cocks room to 
fight, and are not to hover and press on them so 
as to retard their striking. 

8 The greasing, peppering, muffing and soap- 
ing a cock, or any other external application, 
are unfair practices, and by no means admissible 
in this amusement. 

9 The judges, when required, may suffer a 
pitter to call in some of his friends to assist in 
catching the cock, who are to retire immediately 
when the cock is caught, and in no other instance 
is the judge to suffer the pit to be broken. 

10 All cocks on their backs are to be im- 
mediately turned on their bellies by their respec- 
tive pitters at all times. 

11 A cock when down is to have a wing given 
him if he needs it, unless his adversary is on it, 
but his pitter is to place the wing gently in its 
proper position, and not to lift the cock; and no 
wing is to be given unless absolutely necessary. 

12 If either cock should be hanged in himself, 
in the pit, or canvas, he is to be loosened by his 
pitter: but if in his adversary, both pitters are 
to immediately lay hold of their respective cocks, 
and the pitter whose cock is hung shall hold him 
steady while the adverse party draws out the heel, 
and then they shall take their cocks asunder a suf- 
ficient distance for them fairly to renew the com- 
bat. 

13 Should the cocks separate and the judge 



21 

be unable to decide which fought last, he shall 
at his discretion direct the pitters to carry their 
cocks to the middle of the pit and deliver them 
beak to beak, unless either of them is blind; in 
that case they are to be shouldered; that is, de- 
livered with their breasts touching, each pitter 
taking care to deliver his cock at this, as well as 
at all other times, with one hand. 

14 When both cocks cease fighting, it is then 
in the power of the pitter of the last fighting-cock, 
unless they touch each other, to demand c count 
of the judges, who shall count forty deliberately, 
which, when counted out, is not to be counted 
again during the battle. Then the pitters shall 
catch their cocks and carry them to the middle of 
the pit and deliver them beak to beak; but to be 
shouldered if either is blind as before. Then if 
either cock refuses or neglects to fight, the judge 
shall count ten, and shall call out "once re- 
fused" and shall direct the pitters to bring their 
cocks again to the middle of the pit and pit as 
before; and if the same cock in like manner re- 
fuses, he shall count ten again and call out "twice 
refused," and so proceed until one cock thus re- 
fuses six times successively. The judge shall 
then determine the battle against such cock. 

15 If either cock dies before the judge can 
finish the counting of the law, the battle is to be 
given to the living cock, and if both die, the 
longest liver wins the battle. 

16 The pitters are not to touch their cocks 
whilst the judge is in the act of counting. 

17 No pitter is ever to lay hold of his adver- 
sary's cock, unless to draw out the heel, and 
then he must take him below the knee. Then 
there shall be no second delivery, that is, after 
he is once delivered he shall not be touched until 
a blow is struck, unless ordered. 

18 No pitter shall touch his cock unless at the 
time mentioned in the foregoing rules. 

19 If any pitter acts contrary to these rules, 
the judge, if called upon at the time, shall give 
the battle against him, 



22 

The Battle Royal. 

In the pit of the Indiana Cocking Club this is 
a popular method for disposing of crippled 
cocks, strainers and other birds which are unfit 
for regular match battles. 

1 Any number of cocks may be put in. 

2 No limit as to age, condition, or weight. 

3 Use any kind of round-blade gaffs. 

4 Entry fee for each bird to be placed in stake- 
holder's hands before the fun begins. 

5 All being in readiness, cocks arranged 
around the pit an equal distance apart, with 
heads touching the cushion and tails toward cen- 
ter of the pit, all must be liberated at the ref- 
eree's call of "Go." 

6 The referee, ( or any other one man chosen 
for the purpose, ) will draw heels for all birds as 
fast as they get hung, without changing position 
of birds or helping them in any way. With this 
exception the cocks are not to be touched until a 
"handle" is called. 

7 Any cock which jumps the pit, shall be im- 
mediately returned. If he leaves the pit three 
times, he is out for good. 

8 Dead cocks and unmistakable runaways are 
to be removed as fast as they occur. 

9 If the fighting ceases while three or more 
live birds are in the pit, the referee shall call for 
a minute's time, and if the minute is not broken 
by fighting being resumed, the referee shall call 
' 'Handle, ' ' when each pitter shall have 30 seconds 
for nursing his bird. 

10 After handling, the cocks are to be pitted 
beak to beak, all in a bunch, in centre of the pit. 

11 When only two cocks remain, the contest 
shall be fought out under regular Indianapolis 
Rules, the survivor being entitled to the battle- 
royal purse. 




23 

The Welsh Hain. 

Sixteen men each enter one cock of the required 
weight, ( or shake-bag, ) accompanied by an entry 
fee of the stipulated amount, They draw lots for 
numbers. 

In the first round, No. 1 fights against No. 2; 
No. 3 against No. 4; 5 against 6; and so on. 

Second round. The eight winners again draw 
lots and fight as before. 

Then the four winners of the second round fight 
in two pair, which makes the third round. Then 
these two last winners fight the final battle, 
(fourth round, ) after which the victor, who is 
now the sole survivor of the sixteen, is awarded 
the purse. 

The Concourse. 

In the Welsh Main a man has only one cock 
and continues to fight that one bird again and 
again until it is either killed or wins the purse. 
A concourse is conducted on the same plan ex- 
cept that fresh cocks are used in each round . 

This form of amusement is quite popular in 
some parts of France and Belgium, where their 
"grand concourses" often have as many as sixty- 
four entries and take from early morning till late 
at night to decide. 

The Hexagon. 

Weights and heels being agreed upon, six men 
show five cocks each. Then every man fights one 
cock against each other man. Of the fifteen bat- 
tles thus fought, the man winning greatest num- 
ber is entitled to the purse or prize. 

A uniform amount for battle money is usually 
decided upon in advance, also an entry fee for 
the purse, all of which are required to be in stake- 
holder's hands before festivities begin. This is 
to insure every match being fought through. 



24 



^____ 


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." .:■».• 


ram' S^l 




^s^j 






I» v **. • m 




-~~ ' 't'»>i at pi I t 2nsL ^^^1"^"" 





Rules of England. 

1 That every person show and put his cock in- 
to the pit with a fair hackle, not too near shorn, 
or out, nor with any other fraud. 

2 That every cock as he is first shown in the 
pit, without shearing- or cutting- any feathers 
afterwards, except with the consent of both the 
masters of the match. 

3 When both cocks are set down to fight, and 



25 

one of them runs away before they have struck 
three mouthing- blows, it is adjudged no battle to 
the persons who bet. 

4 No persons to set-to but those who are ap- 
pointed by the masters of the match. 

5 When a cock shall come setting-to, and both 
cocks refuse to fight ten times successively ac- 
cording to the law, then a fresh cock shall be 
hoveled, and the masters of the match must 
agree which of them shall turn the cock down; 
after that, if both fight, or both refuse, to be 
deemed a draw battle; but if one should fight, 
and the other refuse, the battle to be allowed won 
by the fighting cock. 

6 After the person appointed by the masters 
to tell the law shall have told twice twenty, the 
cocks to be set-to, beak to beak if they both see, 
but if either be blind, then the blind cock to 
touch; and on their refusing to fight, the person 
appointed as before is to tell ten between each 
setting-to, till one of the cocks has refused to 
fight ten times, successively. 

7 When ten pounds (£10) to a crown are laid 
on the battle, and not taken, after twice twenty 
is told, the battle is determined as won by that 
cock the odds are on. 

8 That no person shall make any cavil or 
speech about matching of cocks, either to match- 
ers or owners, after the cocks are once put to- 
gether. 

9 A master af a match has a right to remove 
any person out of the lower ring. 

10 No person can make a confirmed bet void 
without mutual consent. 

11 Bets to be paid on clear proof by creditable 
witnesses, even though they have not been de- 
manded immediately after the battle is over. 

12 It is recommended that all disputes be 
finally determined by the masters of the match, 
and two other gentlemen whom they shall ap- 
point; and in case the four cannot agree, then 
they shall fix on a fifth, whose determination 
shall be final. 



26 

Rules of France and Belgium. 

1 A cock down (off its feet) three minutes, has 
lost. 

2 The minute of interval exists. 

3 Three minutes without fighting-, the cock 
which is on its feet, wins. If both are up, it is a 
draw fight. 

4 If both cocks go down, the one which after 
the minute is the last up, will be the winner. 
(Which is to say, that if one cock goes down, and 
stays down, and after a minute's time, the other 
cock goes down, the latter wins. On the other 
hand, if the two cocks fall together, or if the 
second cock goes down before the expiration of 
one minute, it is a draw fight. ) 

5 A cock struggling in the throes of death and 
making one or more jumps in the struggle, will 

not be considered as being up. 

6 Every cock which does not stand completely 
up, will be considered as being down. 

7 With a cock up, one may accuse his adver- 
sary, (of wanting to run away,) and win. With 
a cock down one may make a draw fight. In 
every case the accusation must be made before 
two minutes and a half, (from the time the first 
cock went down. ) 

[For example. A's cock falls. B's cock is 
still upright. Under ordinary circumstances, B's 
cock wins. But in case B's cock, though on his 
feet, shows signs of wanting to run away, Mr. A 
may so "accuse" him. Then if the accusation 
proves good, it is a draw fight if A's cock re- 
mains down. If A's cock gets up within the 
three minutes and B's cock runs, Mr. A. wins.] 

8 One cannot accuse of flight a cock that is 
down, but one may accuse in case the cock raises 
himself before the end of three minutes. 

9 In accusing a cock of flight, a sum of fifty 
francs must be placed in the hands of the Pres- 
ident. If the accusation proves false, the said 
sum goes to the owner of the cock accused. 



27 

10 The cock, to be considered as fleeing-, must 
turn away ( refuse to face ) at the presentation. 
Otherwise the accusation is false. 

11 A cock which is so badly wounded that he 
cannot longer fight, nor even peck, may be ac- 
cused under these conditions and if he does not 
turn away at the presentation, will be considered 
as fighting. 

12 Every cock showing flight, even though 
not squawking, may be accused by his adver- 
sary. Upon the demand of the latter the time 
will be taken immediately and at the end of three 
minutes the cocks will be presented according to 
Articles nine, ten and eleven. 

13 If, in this case, it happens that the cock 
accused, returns to fighting at the presentation, 
the accusation by this will revert to the adverse 
party and the battle will continue in full force. 
The pitters must then retire from the pit (an diet 
the cocks fight). 

14 Every cock which runs away squawking 
has immediately lost provided his opponent is 
up or is able to get up during the three minutes. 
It is not necessary in this case that the latter 
remain up during one minute. 

15 If on account of a brain blow a cock hap- 
pens to yell and fly the pit, it will not be con- 
sidered as a runaway. The handler has the right 
to put his cock back in the pit, and if it runs 
again, put him back. If he runs the third time 
it will be considered as flight. 

16 When a cock is accused, as soon as the 
regular minutes expire, the two cocks must be 
placed face to face, and at the presentation the 
handler of the cock accused has the right to 
make his bird touch the feathers of his opponent. 
It is well understood the cocks, in case of ac- 
cusation, must not be submitted to any manip- 
ulation, that is to say, the handlers must present 
them without having touched the birds' heads or 
aroused them in any way. 

17 Except in case of contrary agreement, one 
does not detach from any side. [This means 



28 

that the heels are not to be drawn nor the birds 
touched, from the time they are set in the pit till 
the battle is finished. ] 

18 The duration of a battle is fixed at twenty 
minutes. Passing this delay, one cock down, 
the other up, the latter wins. If it happens that 
a cock shows flight at the end of twenty minutes, 
an accusation made a half -minute before the 
time expired, will be admitted. 

19 Every cock placed in the pit will be con- 
sidered as fighting. If one refuse, the battle will 
be won by his opponent, but the bets on that 
battle will be declared off. [This applies to 
concourses only. The owner of the runaway 
loses his place in the concourse but does not 
lose outside money bet on this battle. ] 

20 A cock presented without having fought, 
will be placed in the hands of the judges, to take 
no further part in the concourse. [We have 
never seen an occasion to carry this rule into 
effect, but the idea of it is this: Suppose two 
friends come against each other in a concourse. 
They arrange between themselves that one shall 
put in a cock which will not show fight, in order 
to enable the other to win his round without a 
battle. The runaway cock in this case is taken 
charge of by the judges, to prevent him being 
again used by someone else for the same pur- 
pose.] 

21 In order to avoid all disputes, and in the 
interest of the sport of cock-fighting which we 
mean to uphold, all gaffs will be refused which 
are of the new forms and dimensions American, 
(Drop Socket) half American (Half Drop) or 
others. None will be allowed except the old- 
fashioned ordinary gaffs such as we have em- 
ployed for many years, of which the maximum 
length must not exceed fifty millimetres, ( about 
one and thirty-one thirty-seconds inches), meas- 
ure taken in a direct line from the base of the 
spur at the socket, to the point. The curve of 
blade must not exceed two millimetres in all its 
bearing, this would carry the length of the blade 



29 

to fifty -two millimetres, (two and one-sixteenth 
inches) following the curve, measured under- 
neath. Sockets not longer than eleven milli 
metres, ( seven-sixteeths inches) front to back. 
Calibre not exceeding twenty -one millimetres, 
( thirteen-sixteenths inch ). [See Gaff Catalogue, 
No. 35. The International Standard]. The 
heelers will examine each other's gaffs and in 
case of suspicion, the matter will be referred to 
the judges who have the right to exclude anyone 
who presents gaffs not according to rules. 

22 It is, moreover, strictly forbidden to pre- 
sent spurs coated with any kind of grease. There 
must be no unfair advantage taken. Each must 
engage with honor to fight fairly. 

[Another rule, so well understood among the 
French that it is not considered necessary to in- 
clude it with the rest. — The handler must set his 
bird squarely on its feet and not push nor toss 
the cock toward the middle of the pit. ] 



The above set of rules, excepting the comments 
and explanations in parentheses, is a transla- 
tion of the rules of the Grand International Con- 
course. But many of the articles given above 
apply only to the concourse. The essential 
features of the whole system may be found in the 
first six articles. These are the old original 
Flemish pit rules, intended at first, I believe, 
only for natural spur fighting. They are now 
used among the steel spur cockers of Northern 
France and Southern Belgium, among the nat- 
ural and horn-spur fighters of Northern Bel- 
gium, and also, to some extent among the naked- 
heelers in the United States — many of whom are 
Belgians. The rules in regard to "accusing" a 
cock of wanting to run, are very seldom brought 
into use, for the reason that the actions of a 
quitter are usually so manifest that no "ac- 
cusation" is necessary. Out of several hundred 
battles fought under these rules, I remember to 
have seen only two birds which were formally 
"accused." 



30 

Rules of Cuba. 

Furnished, (in the original Spanish,) by Cor- 
poral F. W. Hammer of the United States Army, 
now stationed in Cuba, formerly a resident of 
Illinois and a breeder of Trans-Atlantics. 

Ordinary translation is sufficiently difficult, 
but the task of turning- "cockpit Spanish" into 
"cockpit English," without having had any 
practical knowledge of the former, is labor in- 
deed. So if any errors be found in the following 
articles, I hope my Cuban friends will kindly 
correct them. 

NAKED-HEEL FIGHTING. 

1 Cocks fought in this pit will not be per- 
mitted to have the head trimmed and the hackle 
all of the same height, of half an inch in leDgth, 
for the purpose of making the opponent and part 
of the public believe that it had. an advantage 
over the other. 

2 It will not be permitted that inside of the 
cirde there remain any other person than the 
Judge, if in the meanwhile there is no trial; and 
if it should result that both cocks are huDg or 
half dead, the handlers will immediately pro- 
ceed to loosen them, returning to occupy their 
places, without permitting themselves to stay 
over the cocks, during the trial but separated, 
that both may work with freedom. The trials 
will be given in the center of the pit at the in- 
dicated place. The handlers will not be per- 
mitted to approach the cocks, even when they 
are disabled, or to come between them. When 
both cocks are blind or disabled, and they do 
not continue the fight, they are to be put beak to 
beak in all of the trials, not given in the air, 
but with the feet at the mark. A handler is only 
allowed to clean the bird's bill and its spurs with 
a piece of linen or a handkerchief provided for 
this purpose, without touching with the nails or 



31 

fingers in any part of the body 5 but the bird 
must not be wet with water nor saliva whilst the 
fight lasts , nor ( must the handler ) blow the breath 
with the mouth on the cock's head nor on any 
part of the body, though enabled to give them 
heat with the handkerchief. 

3 When one of the cocks ceases fighting, the 
opposite handler may call him to count, intimat- 
ing that the other will not fight in the last trial, 
with an outside cock. They are then breasted 
for the space of a minute and given opportunity 
to peck, and if it should not peck it will loose 
his contest. The cocks that are fought with 
zapatones, (artificial spurs like Scottish 
"haips," ) will not be able to take them off, even 
though they (break loose and) hang down the 
leg. All cocks that are pitted with zapatones 
will be examined by the handlers and the Judge 
to see if they are legal; because after the loss of 
the fight there will be no reclamation • whatever, 
for they have to satisfy the public as well as the 
loser. 

4 No fight can be made a draw while both 
contestants are up and fighting, and when they 
become in a state of prostration, the Judge may 
propose to the handlers to make it a draw. If 
these do not agree, they will give a trial and 
will send them to the "vallita" (secondary pit) 
provided for such cases, leaving clear the 
"valla" (main pit) for another fight. 

5 The fights will be called at half past six in 
the afternoon, and at said hour there will three 
trials be given, and the one that fails to try and 
the one fails to peck, will lose his contest. And 
if both should peck, it will be declared a draw. 

6 No owner of a cock or any other individual 
whatever will be able to exact of any of the 
handlers that he should make any fight a draw; 
because from the moment that the handler takes 
charge of a cock, he alone will be responsible 
for the circumstances of the case. 

[From a sand-glass sent by Mr. Hammer, it is 
evident that thirty seconds are allowed for 



32 

handling, though this subject is not mentioned 
in the above rules.] 

SLASHER FIGHTING. 

Four lines will be made; two at half a yard 
and two at the extremity of the circle, serving 
the first ones to pit the cocks on. The trials will 
be given where it is wished that the cocks should 
fall, to avoid by this means the delay that can 
be brought by the malice or distraction of the 
handler. There will be cases of trial when the 
cocks cease to fight. The trials will be done 
with the feet of the cocks on the mark, because 
the handler that gives the trial in the air will 
not gain, and to avoid ill feelings that at times 
occur, the handlers will be able to catch the 
cocks by both sides of the body to immediately 
put them with the feet in the saw-dust, taking the 
hand off of the head if any of them should be 
disabled to be able to peck, giving them half a 
minute. The loser will be able to make as much 
of this in his reach to make them peck and if any 
one should be dead will have to lift it by the 
head, grasping it by the hackle, that the op- 
ponent can peck it. 

[This last paragraph is an exact literal trans- 
lation, but if you can tell what all that means, 
you are ahead of me.] 

Rules of flexico. 

Several of my Mexican friends have kindly 
sent in copies of the pit rules of their respective 
sections. These various sets of rules are pract- 
ically alike in principle, but have an almost end- 
less quantity of local variations, many of them 
as wholly useless as Article No. 18 of the New 
York rules. Below are to be found the more 
generally accepted regulations of importance. 

1 A center line will divide the diameter of the 
pit. Two more lines parallel to the center, six 
feet apart on each side. 

2 The pit owner shall name a Depositario 



33 

(stake-holder,) the Corredores, (runners,) the 
Amarradores (heelers ) and also the Juez Vedor, 
(judge overseer, ) and will be responsible for the 
interests which are confided to him. 

3 Any kind of navajas (slashers) may be 
used. 

4 Cocks weighed before beiDg heeled. Give 
or take two ounces, a match, up to 6.4, (in some 
places, 6.8, ) above which they are fought as 
shakes. 

5 First bell ring, handlers show up cocks in 
center of pit. Second bell, handlers step back 
to scores, set birds squarely on feet and instantly 
release them. 

6 Handler can call for a handle whenever 
thread is cut or slasher is broken, also when- 
ever a cock is fast. 

7 Handle when hung and deliver at once, ( In 
some parts of Mexico it is the Judge who draws 
heels. ) 

8 As it can very well happen that at the re- 
placing the knife or thread to a cock, his Sol- 
tador (handler) will do it so slowly that in the 
meantime the other will become disabled or 
about to die, the Judge will take care that this 
manoeuvre shall be made with the most possible 
speed, and if the Soltador should not do it thus, 
the Judge shall put in another one that can do it. 

9 Handlers not allowed to give cocks any 
help during fight. 

10 As soon as one cock ceases fighting, the 
Judge shall call to the handlers to try the cock 
in the same place by letting him stand up, and 
the fight is ended if the cock can not stand. But 
if cocks show fight, the handlers step back to 
their scores, set the cocks on their feet and the 
time-keeper counts out one minute's time. If 
birds do not fight, another minute is taken and 
then they go breast to breast on the center score. 

11 At the breasting, the cock loses for moving 
the head out of line, showing no fight, or death. 

12 If both cocks die, the longest liver wins. 

13 A dying cock wins over a runaway. 



34 




35 

Trimming. 

It used to be thought that a cock was not fit to 
fight until he had been quite thoroughly un- 
dressed. Of late years there has been a decided 
reaction against this excessive trimming, par- 
ticularly through the Central States where many 
birds are fought every winter without having 
had a feather cut, and many more are clipped 
only a little, as shown in picture on page 4. If 
your opponent's birds are closely shorn, you 
will be at a disadvantage unless yours are 
trimmed after the same fashion. But if you can 
persuade him not to trim, it will be much better 
for both of you, when you go to find walks for 
the birds that have won. Closely shorn cocks 
are not only difficult to walk, but are in great 
danger of catching cold after being put out. 

Heels and Heeling. 

In parts of the effete East, the Regulation style 
is spoken of as "the only fair heel," but that is 
simple ignorance. Any gaff is fair which is not 
directly prohibited by the governing pit rules or 
articles of agreement. 

Disputes have arisen as to what constitutes a 
true Regulation heel, so I will here state the re- 
quirements. 1. Socket must be perfectly round 
(not oval) in shape, and must have flat face. 2. 
Blade must be round, extending directly out- 
ward and upward from lower part of socket. 3. 
There must be no part of the upper surface of 
blade lower than the inner lower surface of 
socket, although (on account of thickness) the 
under surface of blade may drop at the base be- 
low the under outer surface of socket. 

Some sets of rules require Regulation heels to 
have sockets of a certain calibre and length, but 
it must be remembered that in mains or hack- 
fighting such limitations are not to apply except 
they be definitely stated in the pit rules or articles 
of agreement. They can not be merely taken for 



36 

granted. Remember also: you can not dictate 
to any man regarding the side-set of his spur- 
blades nor as to the height of points. 

Excepting in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota 
and Northern Illinois, — where inch-and-a-half 
Regulations are in considerable favor, — this 
style of gaff is \ery rarely used in any length 
exceeding one-inch-and-a-quarter. The Cincin- 
nati inch-and-a-half is also in vogue through- 
out that Siime section of country and Drop 
Sockets are often barred out there. In other 
parts of the United States, where heels as short 
as li inch are required, they must be of the 
Regulation pattern, while from li inch upward 
you may use any style you like. 

Regarding the different kinds of heels and how 
to use them, see my Gaff Catalogue, (sent free 
upon application, ) which contains photographs 
of the finest collection of Cock Spurs in the 
worJd, also full directions for heeling. 

"Short-heel fighting" means the use of li inch 
or li inch gaffs. "Long heels" are those which 
exceed li inch, and although matches are some- 
times made in spurs of exactly two inches, it is 
a general rule that where one man ties on heels 
longer than li inch, the other may use any length 
he choose or as long as his cock can carry. 

In "long-heel" matches what length of gaffs 
do you require? While this depends to some 
extent upon the cock's station and style of fight- 
ing, as a rough estimate it is safe to say that the 
length of heel, expressed in inches, should be just 
one-half the number of pounds the cock weighs. 
For example; fight a 4 lb. bird in 2-inch heels 
and a 7 lb in 3* inches. This, however, is for 
round-blade gaffs only. In many parts of Mex- 
ico ordinary weight Trans-Atlantics are fought 
in five-inch slashers and said to be wonderfully 
successful. Senor Barriere of Acambaro has 
one 7 lb. Trans-Atlantic cock which he fights 
with a 5i inch "navaja," and says this old bird 
has really won so many battles that he can not 
remember the number. 



3? 




A Black Oriental 

Which has become quite famous in France. Bred and 
exported by H. P. Clarke, Indianapolis. The present prop- 
erty of M. Cliquennois, Lille. Original drawing made by a 
French artist for the Parisian journal, "La Vie au Grand 
Air." 



38 




Handling. 



To the beginner I wish to say, always handle 
your own birds in the pit. Learn how. You 
will soon find that there is much more enjoy- 
ment in handling- than in watching- some one 
else. And if you do it yourself, you will know 
that it is done well, at least to the limits of your 
ability. 

Handle fairly. There is no other one point in 
the whole field of cock-fighting- that I would 
make more prominent than this. Do not under 
any circumstances whatever try to take the 
slightest advantage beyond your right. On the 
other hand, as long as you can do so justly al- 
ways play to win, no matter what the temptation 
might be to act otherwise. It is of the very 
greatest importance that you establish a reputa- 
tion which shall be absolutely above suspicion. 
Never have anything- to do with tricky or "slick" 
cock-fighters if you can avoid it. Shun them as 
you would the plag-ue. If you unexpectedly find 
yourself confronted by such an one in the pit, 
keep a cool head, watch your corners and make 
the best of the situation, but do not under any 
circumstances lose your temper. Always be 
polite. "Sugar catches more flies than vinegar," 
and even if your opponent be not a gentleman, 
you may perhaps cause him to assume the part 
if you treat him as such. If he be positively 
depraved, ( unfortunately that kind does exist,) 



39 

do not get "scrappy," but address all your re- 
marks to the referee, abiding- by his decisions 
with patience and resignation. During contest, 
pay no attention to "coaching" or outside talk. 

On entering the pit with cock, step up to your 
opponent and examine his bird's gaffs, at same 
time showing your own. Under Indianapolis 
rules and many others, a man who is careless 
enough to fight against foul heels, has no re- 
clamation afterward. 

In billing cocks, let bird rest over your left 
arm, his legs securely held in your right hand. 
When held this way he can not flap nor exhaust 
himself and is ready to pit instantly. 

If possible, get your bird down, on his feet 
and started off just ahead of your opponent, 
particularly if you have a rusher which will sail 
in at once. 

While cocks are fighting, remain quiet on your 
, own side of pit but watch birds constantly and 
be ready to handle at first intimation of their 
being hung. 

Hold your cock down to the floor and draw 
heels gently. Never get in a hurry about this. 
In the United States and Canada, you draw op- 
ponent's heels from your cock. In some parts 
of England, you draw your own heels from op- 
ponent's cock, — a custom which is very hard for 
an American to follow. 

If your cock is distressed and needs wind, and 
gets knocked over on his back, do not turn him 
until told to do so. 

If your cock is strong, and punishing the other, 
do not take count until necessary. While if 
your bird is fatigued and needs refreshing, se- 
cure a handle at first opportunity . 

If you are at all doubtful about your bird's 
gameness, do not allow him to cool off, but keep 
him warmed up and on the go all the time. If 
you think opponent has a cold streak, reverse 
the process. 

Study rules thoroughly, also ascertain any 
local customi or peculiarities in applying them. 



40 

Nursing. 

Rather than fight under rules which prohibit 
nursing, I should prefer to follow the French 
plan and not touch cocks from beginning to end. 
In other words; if I am going to handle at all, 
I want to do it right. This, however, may be 
considered a matter of individual taste, as in 
some parts of our country the pit rules do not 
allow the handler any priviledge whatever ex- 
cept the mere drawing of heels. Where thirty 
seconds time and the giving of refreshments are 
permitted between rounds, take care to provide 
yourself with a cup of clean water, a sponge, 
and a dry rag. One sometimes sees stimulants 
used in the shape of whisky, brandy or wine, 
and there are also various secret and mysterious 
"enliveners" for the same purpose. These are 
entirely permissible but in my own experience 
I have never found anything better than pure 
cool water, and I do not let the bird drink of 
that. I wash his head and mouth with it and 
occasionally dip my finger in the water and in- 
sert it part of the way down his throat when 
necessary to remove feathers or blood. If room 
be very warm it is always well between pittings 
to hold, cock right down to the floor, and then 
occasionally put a wet sponge under his wings. 
A little water on the feet and legs once in a 
while, in case of long drag fight, is sometimes 
refreshing, as is also blowing under the wings 
and tail. In general, try to keep the bird cool 
and quiet. Do not let him worry himself but 
hold him turned away from the other cock until 
time to pit. At "Get ready," arrange his wings 
and legs in proper order, stroke him down the 
back with a gentle squeeze near the tail, and at 
call of "Time," set him squarely on his feet and 
let him travel. If bird is at all savage or cross 
in disposition, be sure that his attention is fixed 
upon the other cock before you turn him loose. 
Then set him as far in front of you as your reach 
and the size of the pit will allow. 



41 

A few suggestions regarding certain wounds 
may prove of value to the amateur, as this is 
a subject which not one of the game books up- 
to-date has ever touched upon. 

Brain-blow. A common procedure is to bite 
the comb or the top of the head. My own treat- 
ment is to merely scratch head back of comb 
with the finger-nail. 

Wry-neck. Catch cock by the head and pull 
neck out pretty hard, twisting it in opposite way 
from which it is inclined to turn. If a really bad. 
case, there is but little hope of straightening it 
out. 

Rattle. If a deep lung-thrust, the cock will 
die in spite of everything you can do. If cut is 
in throat, you may save him. Grasp bird firmly 
in left hand. Take hold of his head with your 
right hand; fore-finger in mouth and thumb back 
of comb. Now pull straight upward pretty hard, 
stretching his neck taut. Keep him in this posi- 
tion for ten or fifteen seconds, at same time 
shaking head a little back and forth. This 
stretching will elongate the blood-vessels and 
tend to close any punctures they may have sus- 
tained. Blood already collected in throat will 
go down into the bird's crop. The worst thing 
you could do is to catch cock by the legs and 
swing him head downward, — a performance I 
have often witnessed. Trying to suck blood from 
cock's mouth and nose, is nearly as bad, to say 
nothing of the indelicacy of such an operation. 

Broken Wing. You can do nothing in a 
restorative way. Such a wing is of no earthly 
use to the cock; it is only in the road. Cut wing- 
feathers off as short as possible, leaving just 
that much less to trouble the bird. 

Broken Leg. Another irreparable injury. 
The best you can do is to cut the gaff from this 
leg, so it will be out of the way. If bird is strong 
in this sound leg, pit him sitting down on that 
one foot so he will be apt to rise for a biil-hold 
just as the other cock reaches him. If weak, set 
iim on his tail. Better take chances of having 



42 

him knocked over onto his back than on his 
side. 

Uncouple. The Louisville plan is to set 
cock astride of your knee, take a foot in each 
hand and pull for dear life. I have always had 
better success with the old way of putting- cock's 
legs close up under him and then squeezing him 
good and hard. Rub hock joints and work legs 
back and forth. This sometimes seems to help 
in taking the kinks out. 

Cramped Toes. Pull the toes, . rub the legs, 
and scratch bottom of foot with your finger-nail. 
If cramp is persistent, cut gaff off. 

Blind. If cock is cut blind in one eye, set 
him down with his good side toward the enemy, 
not directly facing the other bird but at right- 
angles to the line of march. The reason for this 
is that your bird, when starting off, will be apt 
to turn part way round, and if directlj facing 
the other bird at first he may turn too far and 
thus expose to attack his blind side. If cut blind 
in both eyes, make him sit down and hope that 
he stays there until other bird comes to him. If 
both birds are pretty badly used up and yours 
totally blind, you can usually make him peck ( for 
purpose of getting or breaking a count) by 
quickly jerking a few feathers from top of his 
head just back of comb. Then stand him on his 
feet. If he peck at or toward the other bird 
after being put down, it will gain the count for 
him whether he touches the other or not. If you 
have the other cock cut down and the blind bird 
though still strong, shows any inclination to go 
bo sleep on your hands, try to induce your op- 
ponent to make the battle a draw. And consider 
yourself fortunate if you succeed, for were he to 
ever get the count on you under such circum- 
stances, your chance of winning even with a 
strong cock would be very slim indeed. 






43 

TRANS=ATLANTICS 

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~ THE CAME FOWL MONTHLY 

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IYL M. CHEW, 

WILLIAMSVILLE, NEW JERSEY. 



44 




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45 



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47 
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48 




Clarke's English. 

THE BEST LVER BROUGHT OVER. 

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I have been breeding both English and Irish pit fowls 
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weight from 4.8 to 7 pounds. 

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. 

H122 75 589 



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